5 of the Greatest Geek Movie Bromances

The world of geek cinema — namely, fantasy and science fiction — is loaded with all kinds of perilous challenges for the alien creatures, wizards, and hobbits that inhabit these larger-than-life stories. So it stands to reason that these heroes would need a little company now and again. After all, dragons and dark lords won’t defeat themselves, but these five “bromances”, listed here chronologically, prove that the power of friendship can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

1. James T. Kirk and Spock, the Star Trek franchise

Source: Paramount

Perhaps the prototypical geek movie bromance, the friendship between the devil-may-care Captain Kirk and the logic-driven Mr. Spock — initially brought to life by William Shatner and the late Leonard Nimoy — serves as the foundation on which much of the Star Trek franchise rests. Of course, few moments convey this better than the closing moments of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which see Spock sacrifice his own life to save Kirk and the rest of their crew. No matter how fans feel about the recent films, few can deny that Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto have nailed the bond their characters share.

2. Han Solo and Chewbacca, the Star Wars saga

Source: Lucasfilm

When fans first meet Han Solo (Harrison Ford), the scruffy-looking scoundrel slides into a booth at the Mos Eisley Cantina right alongside his co-pilot and best friend Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). In fact, the pair rely on each other for back-up throughout much of the original trilogy, trading more than a few memorable barbs along the way (“Laugh it up, fuzzball”, anyone?). The Marvel Cinematic Universe recently offered the similar duo of Rocket Raccoon and Groot, but the overwhelmingly euphoric reaction fans had to the aged versions of Han and Chewie in a recent The Force Awakens trailer truly says it all.

3. Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the Toy Story trilogy

Source: Disney/Pixar

While most of the “bromances” on this list are already up and running when fans first meet the characters, Buzz Lightyear and Woody — voiced by Tim Allen and Tom Hanks, respectively — have a far more contentious relationship at first. However, by the time the credits roll on the original Toy Story, the pair becomes inseparable, happily sharing the title as Andy’s favorite toy and serving as dual leaders to the rest of the gang. Their friendship was further tested in sequels, but time and again, they’ve emerged stronger for it. One can only imagine what kind of mischief they’ll get into when Toy Story 4 arrives in theaters in summer 2017.

4. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, the Harry Potter series

Source: Warner Bros.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) may be the chosen one, but he wouldn’t have gotten very far in his battle with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) without a little help from his friends. Although Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger may ultimately be a more useful ally, it’s Harry’s best buddy and future brother-in-law Ron (Rupert Grint) that we’re focusing on here. Not only does Ron provide comic relief to Harry’s incessant bravery, but he saves the day on more than one occasion and offers The Boy Who Lived a family when he most needed one. Even more impressive, Harry and Ron faced the horrors of adolescence together, all the while trying not to fail Divination. Terrifying.

5. Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee, The Lord of the Rings trilogy

Source: New Line Cinema

Some people might poke fun at the deep bond between Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin), but one would have to be dead inside to not tear up during that last climb up the side of Mount Doom. These little hobbits endure more than most creatures in Middle-Earth during their journey to destroy the One Ring. Along the way, Sam’s loyalty to “Mr. Frodo” never wavers, even as the latter Ring-bearer begins to become corrupted by its power and manipulated by Gollum (Andy Serkis). In the end, they finally accomplish the task they set out to do and — in what could very well have been their final moments — remain thankful that at least they have each other. If that isn’t a geek “bromance” for the ages, what is?